Sorting through donations of clothing, housewares, books and toys accumulated at Bridgeport United Methodist Church is like swimming upstream. But as they do every year, BUMC volunteers are doing just that; preparing for the annual Whale of a Rummage Sale.

 

It’s a tradition and profitable fundraiser which has been happening in our city for decades and raises thousands of dollars to support local charities.

 

“This fundraiser is over 50 years old and for many years, we held two per year,” said Sally Gainer Altman, co-organizer. “Proceeds are donated to local charities including Shepherd’s Corner, The Clarksburg Mission and Bridgeport Challenger League, to name a few.”

 

This year’s sale opens Thursday, Aug. 2 and runs through Tuesday, Aug. 7, but will not be open Sunday, Aug. 5. It will be held in the gymnasium and surrounding areas on the lower floor of the church, located on lower Worthington Drive. Parking in the back lot of the church, accessible via Philadelphia Avenue, is closest to the doors which will be open during sale hours.

 

Church members and others donate items during months preceding the sale, always held in early-August. There is never a shortage of donations and as fast as they roll in prior to the sale, they are purchased during it, organizers said.

 

There is such a variety that Altman refers to the sale as a miniature department store. All items are organized into sections, including men, women and children’s clothing, shoes and accessories, toys, kitchen items and other housewares, décor, Christmas/holiday items and a huge book section.

 

Sale hours are 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. Aug. 2-6 with Aug. 6 half-price day. Super bag day will be held 9-11 a.m. Aug. 7. Shoppers can fill a brown paper grocery bag for $2 or a 30-gallon black plastic trash bag for $7.

 

Co-organizer Marlen Waters said she and several church volunteers have been working to organize items since May. It’s a labor of love, but one which not only benefits area charities, but also members of the community.

 

“I think people look forward to it every year,” she said. “We always try to have it the first week of August and that always works out well.”

 

Charities which benefit from the sale include the Harrison County Backpack Food Program, Bi-County Nutrition (Meals on Wheels), Burlington Family Services, CASA, Celebrate Recovery, Challenger League, Clarksburg Mission, Duff Street United Methodist Church Food Pantry, Flood Buckets, Genesis Youth Center Good Will Industries, Health Access, Heart & Hand House, Hope, Inc., House of the Carpenter, Salvation Army, Scott’s Run Settlement House, Shepherd’s Corner, Tyrand Parish of Elkins and Upshur Parish.

 

“We also provide scholarships for our preschool and Joyful Noise programs for children who can’t afford it, as well as scholarships to graduating high school seniors,” Waters said.

 

Editor's Note: Photos show this year's items and are courtesy of BUMC.